Multi-Function Dual-Opening Retail Beverage Container

ABSTRACT

A hermetically sealed dual-opening beverage container that functions as a mixing instrument, drinking straw, and a shot delivery (or shooter) device suitable for retail distribution is disclosed. An example embodiment includes a hermetically sealed beverage container for retail distribution including a vessel having a generally right rectangular prism shape, a first cap and a second cap both having a generally cube shape. Example embodiments of the hermetically sealed dual-opening beverage container reduce the amount of wasted space in the packaging and distribution process because of its efficient shape. Further, example embodiments of the container can poured contents at a faster rate, and can be reused and recycled. Further, the disclosed subject matter can be utilized as a straw and mixing device, like a stirrer, and makes consuming a shot from a bottle easier and quicker. This results in increased efficiency, increased functionality and increased pouring speed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/885,952, filed Oct. 2, 2013, the entire content of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein generally relates to consumer packaging for retail sale, such as a hermetically sealed dual-opening beverage container that functions as a mixing instrument, drinking straw, and a shot delivery (or shooter) device.

BACKGROUND

Miniature liquor bottles, energy drink shot bottles, and generally small containers typically pour liquid and powder contents at a relatively slow rate, and provide only a means of holding, sealing, and pouring the substance. Many of these containers are also very similar in nature and do not reach their full marketing potential due to their lack of uniqueness and additional functionality.

Consuming liquids from these mini bottles is difficult and very inefficient. The shapes of mini bottles cause them to create wasted space. For example, such mini bottles currently create wasted space when they are packaged in a box for retail distribution.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of the disclosed subject matter includes a beverage container for retail distribution includes a tube having two opposing ends, each opposing end having an opening and a threading, each threading adjacent to the respective opening, and two caps, each cap having a closed end, an open end, and a cap threading, each cap threading being adjacent to the open end of a respective cap and complimentary to at least one of the tube threadings to enable a secure hermetic seal of the cap to the tube for retail distribution.

Further example embodiments include a beverage container wherein the threadings of the two opposing ends of the tube are identical and the threadings of the two caps are identical, the tube has a generally right rectangular prism shape, the caps have a generally cube shape. Example embodiments of the beverage container can further include a beverage, and a tamper-evident mechanism. The tamper-evident mechanism can be a shrink film wrap.

A further example embodiment can include a hermetically sealed beverage container for retail distribution including a vessel having a generally right rectangular prism shape and having a first end and a second end, the first end being arranged opposite of the second end, the first end having a first opening and a first threading, the first threading arranged adjacent to the first opening and being complimentary to a threading of a first cap, the second end having a second opening and a second threading, the second threading being adjacent to the second opening and being complementary to a threading of a second cap, the first cap having a generally cube shape and having a closed end, an open end, and threading adjacent to the open end to secure the first cap to the first end of the vessel and further enable a hermetic seal between the first cap and the first end of the vessel, and the second cap having a generally cube shape and having a closed end, an open end, and threading adjacent to the open end to secure the second cap to the second end of the vessel and further enable a hermetic seal between the second cap and the second end of the vessel.

Further still example embodiments can be further configured to arrange in a stacked formation for retail distribution.

Yet further example embodiments include a multi-function beverage container including an elongate tubular vessel with a first end and a second end, a first spout protruding from the elongate tubular vessel first end and a second spout protruding from the elongate tubular vessel second end, a first cap coupled to the first spout forming a first hermitic seal, a second cap coupled to the second spout forming a second hermitic seal, and a beverage contained within the elongate tubular vessel.

The subject matter described herein provides many advantages. For example, the amount of wasted space due to inefficient shape when packaged in a box for retail distribution can be reduced. The content of the container described herein can be poured at a faster rate than the currently available retail containers. Further, it can be reused and recycled. Reuse can include functionality beyond that of a storage container, such as a drinking straw and stirrer or mixing device. Moreover, as described herein, the container facilitates taking a shot or shooter, making it easier, quicker, and less messy. This results in increased efficiency, increased functionality and increased pouring speed.

The subject matter described here reduces the amount of wasted space in the packaging and distribution process because of its efficient shape. The invention serves as a container that can be poured at a faster rate, which can also be reused and recycled. Further, the disclosed subject matter can be utilized as a straw and mixing device, like a stirrer, and makes consuming a shot from a bottle easier and quicker. This results in increased efficiency, increased functionality and increased pouring speed.

The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example implementation of a multi-function dual-opening beverage container;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the first end, threads and cap;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the multi-function beverage container illustrating dimensions of components of the example implementation; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective of an example implementation of a multi- function beverage container and six multi-function beverage containers packaged together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A container with two openings at opposite ends can hold things such as liquids and powders with its two sealable ends. The current subject matter can function as a mixing instrument, a drinking straw, and/or a liquid shot device.

As stated above, mini liquor bottles, energy drink shot bottles, and little bottles/containers in general pour liquid and powder at a relatively slow rate due to their shape and design. Also, they only provide a means of holding, sealing, and pouring the substance. Many of these containers are also very similar and do not reach their marketing potential due to their lack of functionality and uniqueness. In some implementations, the current subject matter can provide a way to pour liquid and powder at a faster rate when poured or consumed from the container/bottle when both ends are unattached because of the release of pressure at both ends. The current subject matter can also enable additional functionality. For example, the disclosed subject matter can provide consumers an option of using a container for holding, sealing, and pouring the substance, while also allowing them to use it as a mixing device to stir liquids, a straw to sip or drink, and a shooting device to deliver into another container/bottle or to consume quickly like a shot directly into the consumer's mouth.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example implementation of a multi-function dual-opening beverage container 100. The beverage container 100 can include a vessel 105, and two caps 125 a and 125 b. The vessel 105 can be formed of a generally elongate tube body that includes two ends 110 a and 110 b with respective openings 115 a and 115 b. The vessel 105 can be hollow and can be cubic, round, a right rectangular prism or other shapes as well. Threads 120 a and 120 b in the form of cylindrical spouts can protrude from the ends 110 a and 110 b and can be adjacent the openings 115 a and 115 b, respectively.

Caps 125 a and 125 b can be cubic and can have open ends including threading features 130 a and 130 b that correspond to and complement threads 120 a and 120 b, enabling the caps 125 a and 125 b to couple to the respective threads 120 a and 120 b. The caps 125 a and 125 b can also include closed ends and, when caps 125 a and 125 b are coupled to threads 120 a and 120 b, respectively, can form a secure hermetic seal to seal a liquid beverage 135 or other consumable product inside the vessel 105 that enables retail distribution. The beverage 135 can include, for example, an alcoholic beverage, although many other types of beverages are possible. The caps 125 a and 125 b can be “twist-off” for opening the beverage container 100. FIG. 2 is a side view of the first end 110 a, threads 120 a and cap 125 a.

When the caps 125 a and 125 b are coupled or screwed to the threads 120 a and 120 b, respectively, a strong liquid and airtight seal can form. The caps 125 a and 125 b can also be unscrewed to release the strong liquid and airtight seal. The twist off function produced by the interaction between the threads 120 a, 120 b and the corresponding features 130 a, 130 b can operate like the relationship between a traditional plastic drinking bottle with its plastic cap or crown. Both products can be unsealed and resealed by twisting off or on their distinctive caps.

The multi-function beverage container 100 can be used for transporting a liquid so that it is easily carried or held and easily concealed. A user can also unscrew one of the caps 125 a or 125 b so that it is can be used as a traditional bottle (e.g., mini-bottle). A user can unscrew a first cap 125 a, and mix the beverage 125 into another liquid. The user can then use the empty container 100 as a mixing device (e.g., a stirring stick) to mix the two liquids together. A user can also use the empty multi-function beverage container 100 as a straw by unscrewing the second cap 125 b and place the vessel 105 it into the drink. Once placed into the drink, the user can sip from one of the openings 115 a or 115 b (e.g., serving as spouts), while the other end 115 a or 115 b is submerged in the drink. A user can also use the multi-function beverage container 100 as a quick liquid delivery system, like a liquid shot (e.g., “shot-gunning” the beverage 135). For example, a user can unscrew a first cap 125 a and begin drinking the beverage 135 through the first opening 115 a using the thread 120 a as a spout. While consuming the beverage 135, the user can unscrew the other cap 125 b, resulting in a release of pressure and faster delivery of the beverage 135 from the multi-function beverage container 100 into the user's mouth.

Many implementations of the current subject matter are possible. For example, plastic mold injections may be used to form components a plastic base, which can serve as the container (e.g., vessel), straw, shooter and mixing apparatus. Two plastic caps can serve as the seals for both ends when twisted onto the base. The cube caps attach to the cylindrical protrusions of the base by the interaction between the plastic threading of the cube and the plastic threading of the base. The overall shape with the caps on the base could resemble a rectangular prism, depending on the desired overall shape. Once the cube caps are screwed off the base, it reveals cylindrical spouts similar to that of a straw, except with plastic threading. It also reveals two separate twist-off tops or crowns with cylinders cut out of them, each with interior threading. In some implementations, the prism shape of the vessel 105 allows the multi-function beverage container 100 to be packaged with other multi-function beverage containers 100 in an efficient manner, for example, as a “six-pack” of beverages. FIG. 4 is a perspective of an example implementation of a multi-function beverage container and six multi-function beverage containers packaged together 400.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the multi-function beverage container 100 illustrating dimensions of components of the example implementation. The dimensions can be altered to hold a numerous amount of liquids, powders, and the like. The form of the container could also be altered while maintaining functionality. For instance, the container does not necessarily have to resemble a rectangular prism. It could also resemble other shapes like a cylinder, with numerous options for the shapes of the twist off caps.

In some implementations the caps 125 a and 125 b can include writing or descriptive material so that the caps 125 a and 125 b, once removed from the vessel 105 can be used as dice, for example, to play games.

In some implementations, the material of the container can include a composition other than plastic, and the sealable cube caps can include a cork instead of a twist off cap. Other variations and implementations are possible.

Although, the current subject matter is primarily described as a device that is used for liquid, it can also be used to hold powder and other products. It can be used in more than just liquor. It can also be used to contain energy drinks, supplements, fruit drinks, vitamins, and the like. It can also contain medicine and be used in the medical industry to deliver the proper dosage of medicine to someone who is sick. The current subject matter can substitute for many items, such as teaspoons and big medicine bottles, which patients' use today when they use the typical teaspoon delivery system of a medicine.

In some implementations the current subject matter is more than a container for liquids and powders and the like. It can be used as a mixing apparatus, a drinking straw, and quick liquid delivery device. The current subject matter has two openings and two crowns.

In some implementations, the current subject matter can reduce the amount of wasted space when packaged in a box for distribution because of its efficient shape. The current subject matter can serve as a container that can be poured at a faster rate. It also can be utilized, as a straw and mixing device, like a stirrer. It also can enable consuming a shot from a bottle easier and quicker. The current subject matter can result in increased efficiency, increased functionality, and increased pouring speed.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. For example, dimensions and proportions of the container will vary and will be influenced by the material choice, beverage volume requirements, and bottling machinery requirements at filling facilities. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A beverage container for retail distribution comprising: a tube having two opposing ends, each opposing end having an opening and a threading, each threading adjacent to the respective opening; and two caps, each cap having a closed end, an open end, and a cap threading, each cap threading being adjacent to the open end of a respective cap and complimentary to at least one of the tube threadings to enable a secure hermetic seal of the cap to the tube for retail distribution.
 2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the threadings of the two opposing ends of the tube are identical and the threadings of the two caps are identical.
 3. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the tube has a generally right rectangular prism shape.
 4. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the caps have a generally cube shape.
 5. The beverage container of claim 1 further comprising a beverage.
 6. The beverage container of claim 5, further comprising a tamper-evident mechanism.
 7. The beverage container of claim 6, wherein the tamper-evident mechanism is a shrink film wrap.
 8. A hermetically sealed beverage container for retail distribution comprising: a vessel having a generally right rectangular prism shape and having a first end and a second end, the first end being arranged opposite of the second end, the first end having a first opening and a first threading, the first threading arranged adjacent to the first opening and being complimentary to a threading of a first cap, the second end having a second opening and a second threading, the second threading being adjacent to the second opening and being complementary to a threading of a second cap; the first cap having a generally cube shape and having a closed end, an open end, and threading adjacent to the open end to secure the first cap to the first end of the vessel and further enable a hermetic seal between the first cap and the first end of the vessel; and the second cap having a generally cube shape and having a closed end, an open end, and threading adjacent to the open end to secure the second cap to the second end of the vessel and further enable a hermetic seal between the second cap and the second end of the vessel.
 9. The hermetically sealed beverage container for retail distribution of claim 8 further configured to arrange in a stacked formation for retail distribution.
 10. A multi-function beverage container comprising: an elongate tubular vessel with a first end and a second end; a first spout protruding from the elongate tubular vessel first end and a second spout protruding from the elongate tubular vessel second end; a first cap coupled to the first spout forming a first hermitic seal; a second cap coupled to the second spout forming a second hermitic seal; and a beverage contained within the elongate tubular vessel. 